Author/Authors :
Oto, Öztekin Dokuz Eylül University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Turkey , Metin, Sadık Kıvanç Dokuz Eylül University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Turkey , Bal, Melih Dokuz Eylül University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Turkey , Özserim, Gökçen Dokuz Eylül University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Turkey , Uğurlu, Baran Şevket Dokuz Eylül University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Turkey
Abstract :
Skin infection on cannulation and driveline sites is a serious and difficult complication of ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation procedures. Management of this complication is important to improve the morbidity and reduce the mortality rates. Vacuum assisted closure (VAC) is an effective tool for treatment of chronic wounds with application of continuous suction, which accelerates the healing process. We have used VAC for a patient with Berlin Heart Excor biventricular assist device, which had persistent skin infections during 14 months of postimplantation period until transplantation.
